The shop in Minneapolis used burlap for their bodice. I made my bodice from a vintage piece of velvet. I was trying to have a Project Runway moment by draping the fabric on the manikin. They make it look so easy on PR. Well not so. I struggled. I added rosettes along the seam line of the skirt to cover up the raw edge as no sewing was used on this dress - just pins. Joy - yes I have named her Joy - worried that the rosettes would make her hips look big - I assured her they did not.

Here she is all finished and looking very festive for the holiday season.

In my opinion Joy is not boring.

She makes me smile every morning as she greets me at my studio door.

What has made you smile lately?

Leave a comment telling me what has made you smile lately and you will be eligible to win a Merry Medley Charm Pack™ and the pattern to make this tiny tree using the Charm Pack. It is super easy and there is still plenty of time to get it done to enjoy during the holidays. If you don't get it done this year - well Christmas will come again. You have until midnight December 12th to leave a comment.

About Sandy

I have always had an interest in art and sewing. My mother taught me how to sew at a young age. In high school I made my own clothes and made greeting cards for my friends. Later on I made cards for my boyfriend, who later became my husband. On the advice of my high school counselor I did not pursue a career in art. I was told that an "A" in high school art does not make you an artist. In 1988 I set out to prove that counselor wrong (or right) and started a greeting card company, " My Dream Designs." In 1992 I combined my love of art and sewing skills and the pattern company "Pieces From My Heart" was born. In spring of 1994, I attended my first international Quilt Market in St. Louis, where I was discovered by Moda Fabrics. Many fabric lines later, I am thrilled to be designing fabric for Moda. Designing fabric allows me to work with different color pallets, which is my favorite part of designing. I reside in Algona, Iowa with my husband Bruce. We have two grown children, Anthony and Abby. Pieces From My Heart Books and Patterns are available at your local quilt shop or go to www.piecesfrommyheart.net